Day 93

Deuteronomy 23:1–25:19; Luke 10:13-37; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 12:12-14

IN YESTERDAY’S READING, we learned of the cost and sacrifice involved in following Jesus. We were told that we are as lambs among wolves. We must learn to shake the dust off and move forward, because we are light in a world of darkness that doesn’t really want anything to do with the light. These words are sobering. They leave our faith journey with all the markings of a losing game, one we are ill-equipped even to participate in. In today’s reading from Luke, we gain a bit of perspective —and perspective often brings hope.

Jesus said, “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me” (Luke 10:16). This immediately tells us we haven’t been sent as lambs among wolves all alone. The message of light we carry, along with the Good News of the gospel, is not about us. It’s not about a person accepting us as their savior, following in our footsteps, and thinking we’re cool. Conversely, when the message is rejected, ridiculed, and scorned, the dismissal isn’t about us either. According to Jesus, a person who rejects the light is rejecting God.

Rather than trying to care for our own heart after we have tried to bring light and faced opposition, we should turn our attention and affection toward God. This is not a devotional platitude that means nothing. Imagine the rejection God feels daily. Imagine the ways in which His name is defamed and His hope for humanity takes another hit by the dark will of humankind. Imagine all the blame He takes for things He has nothing to do with, every single day. It’s crushing to imagine. We are a species for whom God died to set free. Yet we still seem to love the darkness more. It’s heartbreaking.

It’s not we who have been rejected in these moments. It’s God. And perhaps He could use a little of our empathy as we walk with Him today, because rejection hurts. Since God has moved heaven and earth to know and be known by us, our heart’s posture toward Him indeed matters. Have you ever considered that God not only cares for us but wants to be cared for by us? That may sound a little strange, but this is how relationships are wired. Spend time with God today, for no other reason than you simply want to bring joy to His heart.

WORSHIP:

We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. . . . But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done.